When the church functions mainly as a source of local identity it must compete with all the other civic associations that provide identity at this level. (religion-online.org)
One example: de Tocqueville's «Democracy in America» describes the role of civic associations in America. (politics.stackexchange.com)
Iannece is also president of one of the largest civic associations in the newly - drawn district (Bayside Hills). (nystateofpolitics.com)